The Bilborock-La Merced Municipal Center was formerly a convent located on the left bank of the river, near a bridge and a street of the same name, La Merced. It stopped being a place of worship because it was in such a bad state of repair. In 1989 it was turned into a public building by the Bilbao city council. The following year it became a multi-purpose cultural center, giving it some importance as a provider of culture along with the Teatro Arriaga and others. It is a Baroque building, which has had a lot of work done on it. The upper part is now the headquarters of the department responsible for restoring the old part of the city, and the lower part is used for theatrical performances and cultural activities. It is also the main office of Bilborock, organizers of various music festivals, like the Concurso Pop Rock Villa de Bilbao. Call for more details.